Carr Warns Consumers About Coronavirus Scams, Fake Cures, Door-to-Door and Drive-By Testing and Misinformation
Community, Education, State & National March 20, 2020ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr is warning consumers about scams – ads, promotions, and websites – that claim their products can treat, prevent or cure the Coronavirus/COVID-19. Additionally, Carr is helping reinforce The White House National Security Council’s message about misinformation concerning a national lockdown or quarantine and helping reinforce local law enforcement warnings to consumers about door-to-door and drive-by testing solicitations.
“Scammers may try to take advantage of consumers during a time when fears and health concerns are at an all-time high,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “At best, these fake cures are simply a waste of money, while at worst, they can have dire consequences.”
The following companies have received warning letters from the FTC and FDA for selling unapproved or misbranded products that the companies claimed could treat or prevent the Coronavirus:
- Vital Silver
- Aromatherapy Ltd.
- N-ergetics
- GuruNanda, LLC
- Vivify Holistic Clinic
- Herbal Amy LLC
- The Jim Bakker Show
The FDA has also warned consumers against drinking a product called “Miracle Mineral Solution” or “MMS,” which has been touted as a way to prevent coronavirus and cure a myriad of other illnesses, including cancer and HIV/AIDS. The FDA warns that this product is essentially a “dangerous bleach” that could cause severe vomiting and acute liver failure. Consumers should also be wary of claims that products containing colloidal silver can prevent or cure the Coronavirus. Not only is there no medical evidence supporting these claims, the FDA and National Institutes of Health warn that colloidal silver is not safe to use and can even cause argyria, a bluish-gray skin discoloration that’s typically permanent. If you’re tempted to buy an unproven product or one with uncertain claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first.
Additionally, the federal government is trying to reinforce trusted information sources like The White House, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as the primary communicators for national public updates. There are many misinformation campaigns circulating that are designed to deceive and disrupt, and we don’t want Georgians to fall victim. The White House National Security Council last night issued this statement on misinformation campaigns circulating via text message and other forms of digital media:
- @WHNSC: As we saw over the wkend, disinfo is being spread online about a supposed national lockdown and grounding flights. Be skeptical of rumors. Make sure you’re getting info from legitimate sources. The @WhiteHouse is holding daily briefings and @cdcgov is providing the latest.
And finally, we’re joining local law enforcement agencies across Georgia in urging Georgians to be very skeptical of those who are going door-to-door or driving around town offering COVID-19 testing. Do your homework. Visit the Georgia Department of Public Health or the CDC’s websites for more on testing.
To report scams, contact our office’s Consumer Protection Division:
- CALL: 404-651-8600 inside the metro Atlanta area
- CALL: 1-800-869-1123 toll-free outside of the metro Atlanta calling area
- To report suspected scams or price gouging online, visit consumer.ga.gov.
Georgia Receives SBA Statewide Disaster Declaration, applications open
News, State & National March 19, 2020
Atlanta, GA – On March 18, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This declaration will provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to impacted small businesses in all 159 counties in Georgia.
“This is great news for Georgia small business owners,” said Governor Kemp. “As we continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19 on our economy, small business owners can apply for much-needed funding to continue operation and pay their employees. My thanks to the Trump Administration for their swift action to protect small business owners throughout the country.”
The application is now live, and Georgia small business owners can go directly to the SBA for assistance. Small business owners should visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov for information and the application.
Loans are available for small business and non-profit organizations. While terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, many will have a thirty-year repayment term with first payments not due for up to twelve months. Businesses should expect to provide a tax transcript, financial statements, and a profit and loss statement. Interest rates will range from 2.75% to 3.75%.
For more information, concerning Kemp’s action’s during COVID-19, click here.
Ask the Doc! All things Covid-19
Health March 20, 2020
#BKP and Dr. William Whaley are joined by Dr. Raymond Tidman to discuss all things Covid-19.
Public K-12 and Secondary Schools closed March 18 to 31
Announcements, Featured, Featured Stories, State & National March 16, 2020
Atlanta, GA – In accordance with newly issued federal guidance, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Executive Order 3.16.20.01 closing all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary public schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020, to March 31, 2020.
“To keep our students, teachers, and administrators safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering the closure of all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020, to March 31, 2020,” said Governor Kemp. “This measure is critical to reducing local transmission in communities across our state, and I ask Georgians to continue to follow best practices – washing their hands regularly, isolating the elderly and chronically ill, and avoiding large events if possible – in the days and weeks ahead.”
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GeorgiaEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GEMA.OHS, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook. For more information, visit the DPH’s coronavirus webpage at https://dph.georgia.gov/
Trump COVID-19 Guidelines limit gatherings to 10
Featured, Featured Stories, State & National March 16, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump and the White House COVID-19 task force issued new guidelines for the next 15 days, including limiting gatherings to 10 people and avoiding dining in public spaces.
The 3 p.m. press conference focused on how telling Americans how they can help “flatten the curve” of the virus, so the nation can “turn the corner.”
In the guidelines issued today, Americans are highly advised to:
- Limit gatherings to 10 people or less, including in-home gatherings
- Avoid eating or drinking in restaurants, bars, or public food courts, use drive-thrus, pick-up, and delivery services
- Avoid discretionary travel – shopping trips and social visits
- Do not visit nursing homes, long-term health care, or retirement facilities
- Wash your hands
- Don’t touch your face
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or inside of your elbow
- Disinfect used items and surfaces frequently
However, Trump cautioned that everyone may feel the effects of COVID-19 into July and August. Also, the President didn’t want to focus on the possibility of a recession at this time. He believes the markets will rebound once the virus abates.
“I think you’re going to see a tremendous, tremendous surge,” Trump said about the markets.
copy of new guidelines from the White House and CDC.
While the White House isn’t instituting a nationwide quarantine presently, Trump did make it clear that “hot spots” could potentially be placed under quarantine. Currently, the New Rochelle is considered a “containment zone” not a quarantined city.
Dr. Deborah Birx, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, added that anyone who is sick should stay home. Also, if anyone in a home is diagnosed with COVID-19, the entire house should quarantine in the home to prevent spread.
“We really want people to be separated at this time,” Birx stated. She also addressed millennials directly because changes in their behaviors could significantly affect the course of the virus. Millennials are connected to each other and can spread information across platforms.
copy of guidelines from the White House and CDC.
Kemp Authorizes Call of Georgia National Guard for COVID-19 Response
News, Press Release March 14, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp issued Executive Order 03.14.20.02 authorizing Adjutant General Tom Carden – at the request of Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Homer Bryson – to call up as many as 2,000 Georgia National Guard troops to State Active Duty to address novel coronavirus and COVID-19 in Georgia.
“Through extensive emergency preparedness training, the brave men and women in the Georgia National Guard stand ready to serve above and beyond their traditional military duties. In states of emergency, they are equipped to take necessary action to protect the health and safety of Georgia families in every region,” said Governor Kemp. “To assist with COVID-19 mitigation and critical services, including the transfer of Georgians currently at Dobbins Air Reserve Base to their homes, the Georgia National Guard will now be available to communities to ensure the steady supply of medical equipment, food, shelter, or related materials to keep Georgians safe in the weeks ahead.”
The Georgia National Guard is already assisting with the transfer of thirty-one Georgians – formerly passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship – from Dobbins Air Reserve Base to their homes today for isolation and monitoring by Department of Public Health officials.
Judicial Order closes Courts in the Appalachian District
News March 13, 2020
GILMER, Ga. – An order declaring a Judicial Emergency has been released from Chief Judge Brenda Weaver was filed today in Gilmer County regarding civil and/or criminal court proceedings in the Appalachian Judicial Circuit (Gilmer, Fannin, Pickens counties).
The order states, “The nature of this emergency is the continued transmission of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 throughout the State of Georgia and the potential infection of those who are required to appear in our courts and interact with large groups due to jury service, including grand jury service, or other large, non-essential calendars.”
As for the cases slated for next week, the order states, “It is the order of the Court that jury trials are CONTINUED, and no jurors or grand jurors shall report, and no jury trials shall be held for a period of 30 days from the date of the entry of this order.”
The order charges all parties and attorneys in specially-set hearings between March 13, 2020, and April 11, 2020, to contact the assigned judge for directions.
The order provides this list of the Amended 2020 Superior Court Calendar in that same time frame:
Additionally, the order calls for attorneys and clients to report and notify each other of any sign or showing of symptoms of illness, even mild ones, prior to or after court as well as any contact or exposure to a Coronavirus positive individual. The attorneys should then contact the judge’s office if this occurs.
The order also states a list of people that “shall not enter Pickens, Gilmer, or Fannin Courthouse or any probation office Pickens, Gilmer, or Fannin Counties, without prior permission from the Chief Judge.” Those people include:
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Persons who have been in any of the following countries or regions within the last 14 days:
STATE OF WASHINGTON
NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK
CHINA
SOUTH KOREA
JAPAN
ITALY
IRAN
EGYPT -
Persons who reside or have had close contact with someone who has been in one of the countries listed above within the last 14 days;
-
Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency;
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Persons who have been diagnosed within, or have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19);
The order charges Sheriff’s offices in these counties to deny entry to those in violation of this order. It also gives guidance to those under this order’s restrictions on the steps to take. Read the full Judicial Order below:
Appalachian Judicial Circuit Order pg. 1
Appalachian Judicial Circuit Order pg. 2
Appalachian Judicial Circuit Order pg. 3
Appalachian Judicial Circuit Order pg. 4
Appalachian Judicial Circuit Order pg. 5
Appalachian Judicial Circuit Order pg. 6
Appalachian Judicial Circuit Order pg. 7
Kemp: Public Health Emergency in Georgia Effective Tomorrow
Press Release, State & National March 13, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian Kemp’s office released a press release on Friday, March 13 to announce the intention to declare Georgia’s first public health emergency.
Following President Trump’s national emergency declaration today, Governor Kemp issued the following statement:
“Based on President Trump’s emergency declaration, I will declare a public health emergency for the State of Georgia tomorrow morning. This declaration will greatly assist health and emergency management officials across Georgia by deploying all available resources for the mitigation and treatment of COVID-19. In accordance with state law, I will call for a special session of the General Assembly to convene at the State Capitol at 8 AM on Monday, March 16, 2020 to ratify this action through a joint resolution.
“At this time, it is appropriate for faith-based organizations and similar entities to consider cancellation of public events and services. Contact your local public health office or consult official sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health, for helpful guidance on decision-making. Elderly citizens and those with chronic, underlying health conditions face a serious threat to their health, and we must do everything in our power to reduce risk associated with this virus. Continue to support one another, be mindful of potential exposure, use best practices to prevent infection, and pray for your fellow Americans in the weeks ahead.”
After reviewing state records, it appears that Governor Kemp’s declaration tomorrow will constitute Georgia’s first-ever public health emergency. The applicable code section is O.C.G.A. 38-3-51.
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GeorgiaEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GEMA.OHS, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook. For more information, visit the DPH’s coronavirus webpage at https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus.
General Assembly suspends the 2020 legislative session
Featured Stories March 12, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Shortly after Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement concerning new protocols for Coronavirus, the Georgia General Assembly moved to suspend it’s legislative session, after tomorrow.
From the press release:
The Georgia General Assembly will suspend the 2020 legislative session indefinitely after Friday, March 13, the 29th Legislative Day. The suspension is out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of health and safety of members, staff and the public given the prevalence of the coronavirus. Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston have mutually agreed to suspend the session and resume at a future date to be determined.
“We continue to urge calm and appropriate responses to the coronavirus situation. However, the current environment demands that we take additional preventative action,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Speaker Ralston and I are working diligently to ensure that, at the appropriate time, the General Assembly resumes its critically important work.”
“We do not take this action lightly, but after discussions with Governor Kemp, we feel this is a prudent measure which will ensure an orderly legislative session,” said Speaker David Ralston. “I appreciate very much the cooperation of Lt. Governor Duncan, and working together, our House and Senate stand ready to support the state’s response to the coronavirus. We look forward to resuming the legislative session and returning to the people’s business.”
The House and Senate will reconvene for the 30th Legislative Day at a future date and time to be set by Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston under the terms of the joint adjournment resolution adopted by both chambers.
Earlier today, both the House and Senate adopted the Amended Fiscal Year 2020 state budget. That budget includes $100 million in funding to address any coronavirus-related needs which may arise.
Kemp issues call to action to all Georgians, schools, and local governments
Feature News, State & National March 12, 2020ATLANTA, Ga – Governor Brian Kemp announced schools, childcare providers, local governments in Georgia now have the option to close, at least, for the next two weeks, starting this afternoon, during his latest COVID-19 press conference.
Mere hours after he confirmed, the first death in Georgia from COVID-19, Kemp gathered Speaker of the House David Ralston, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey, and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to reveal extra measures for Georgians regarding the virus.
Kemp’s administration changed messaging to protect the elderly and chronically ill Georgians from COVID-19.
“Our message is changing. Elderly Georgians and those with chronic underlying health conditions face a much higher risk of adverse consequences from exposure to coronavirus,” stated Kemp. “We need to help them to dramatically limit their exposure to the public for the foreseeable future.”
These individuals need to avoid mass gatherings, even faith-based events to protect themselves against the virus. Two COVID-19 patients in Bartow did share contact by attending the same church.
Kemp urged citizens to talk with their families and make plans to protect those at risk by picking up their groceries, prescriptions, and helping them in any way possible.
The call to close schools or government offices isn’t a mandate, but, rather, the option now available, when “prudent”, to help keep Georgians safe. However, if counties, schools, or childcare providers don’t see a need to shut down, then they do not have to close.
Additionally, all elder care facilities are now closed to visitation until April 10, 2020, except for family members and end of life services.
Non-essential travel and telework are now in effect for state government, but the government offices and Capitol will remain open. Kemp’s office will send out guidance to all agency leaders for implantation.
The governor also implemented four new committees as part of the coronavirus task force: Emergency Preparedness Committee, led by Insurance Safety and Fire Commissioner John King, Economic Impact Committee, led by State Economist Jeff Dorfman, Primary Care Physicians Committee, led by Dr. Ben Watson, and Homeless Community Committee, led by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Update on Testing Capabilities
Toomey stated that currently the state can perform 50 tests a day and the department of health has more equipment on the way as well as additional training. She hopes the number will be up to 100 tests a day by the end of next week. Right now, Georgia has enough materials to conduct 500 tests in part thanks to the support from the CDC.
“We are testing high-risk patients,” said Toomey.
GA DPH commissioner Dr. Toomey is hopeful that Georgia’s ability to test for COVID-19 will continue to grow.
20 percent of patients have more severe diseases and five percent need help breathing, so those who fall into the high-risk category are being tested first.
Lab Corp can now process tests, which should speed up the process. The CDC has eased restrictions on COVID-19 testing, so the M-95 masks are no longer necessary as part of protective equipment.
She stressed the importance of those who might have COVID-19 to call ahead because no one wants to infect those in the emergency room or waiting room.
Five New Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases in Georgia
Announcements, Featured March 11, 2020
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is awaiting confirmatory testing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on five new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Georgia. The additional cases are in Charlton County, Fulton County and three in Cobb County. All but one individual (Fulton) are hospitalized. One of the Cobb presumptive positives has a travel history outside of the country, the sources of the other infections are unknown.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 and presumed positive cases of COVID-19 are broken down by county as follows:
Confirmed COVID-19 (6)
Fulton County 3
Floyd County 1
Polk County 1
Cobb 1
Presumptive Positive COVID-19 (16)
Fulton 3
Cobb 6
Fayette 1
DeKalb 2
Gwinnett 2
Cherokee 1
Charlton 1
The overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low, although elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may be have increased risk for COVID-19. The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus are:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Follow DPH’s Facebook and Twitter pag
For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19 log on tohttps://dph.georgia.gov/
DPH Preparations for Potential Spread of COVID-19
Featured, Featured Stories February 27, 2020
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is working closely with the CDC,
and state partners to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S., including
Georgia. The goal is to quickly identify cases of COVID-19 and take the appropriate public
health action to reduce its spread and protect the general public. It is important to note that at
this time, the overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low.
“We urge Georgians to prepare for hurricanes or flooding or take measures to prevent flu, so
preparing for an outbreak of COVID-19 is no different,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H.,
DPH commissioner. “DPH is working to make sure our health systems, first responders and
county health departments have the resources they need to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak.”
DPH already has a detailed pandemic flu plan that was developed in partnership with the
Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the Georgia Department of Education and other
state agencies, and will be adapted for a COVID-19 outbreak in the state. DPH has responded
to other serious disease outbreaks, including Ebola and Zika virus and each instance has
provided new insight and guidance and highlighted the need to be as prepared as we can be.
DPH Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) is providing CDC information and
guidance about COVID-19 to all health care and hospital facilities throughout Georgia, and
holding weekly calls with the entire public health and hospital/health care community to update
information and answer questions.
DPH epidemiologists are on-call 24/7 to help health care providers evaluate individuals
presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 to ensure that possible cases are managed safely,
support laboratory testing and implement recommendations from the CDC. In the event of
COVID-19 in Georgia, epidemiologists would also be monitoring outbreaks and recommending
control strategies, including guidance regarding testing and isolation.
Should it become necessary, DPH may recommend appropriate community mitigation
measures for affected communities, such as temporary closure of child care facilities and
schools/colleges and universities, school and workplace social distancing measures, and
postponement or cancellation of mass gatherings. Additionally, businesses should consider
ways to implement strategies to reduce the impact of a potential COVID-19 outbreak on their
workforce, including teleworking and cross-training employees on essential job functions.
The same measures that are urged to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus are
increasingly important for all Georgians:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water
are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the
trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The best prevention against the flu is vaccination. Flu is still widespread and active in Georgia –
it’s not too late to get a flu shot.
Passenger screening at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport is ongoing. This is to
identify people coming from China who may have been exposed to and are at risk of developing
COVID-19, and to provide appropriate assessment and monitoring to protect the general public.
COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and guidance is subject to change. The preparations currently
underway in Georgia are based on the best scientific information we have from the CDC. DPH
will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and work with state partners and health care
communities to incorporate the most up to date guidance in our planning and preparation
efforts.
DPH will continue to update Georgians through our website, our Facebook page and our Twitter account. It is
important to remember that the most accurate and timely information regarding this outbreak is
available through DPH or the CDC’s website.
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About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and
disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a
health perspective. For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.ga.gov.